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Containment Requirements for the "On-Farm" Storage of Agrichemicals
Containment for On-Farm Storage of Agrichemicals
Regulations regarding the proper storage and handling of bulk pesticides and fertilizers were modified in 2002 to require secondary containment of certain on-farm storage containers. The original rules, effective in 1990, only affected commercial and very large non-commercial facilities. The 2002 amendments to the regulation created a new facility type called "on-farm storage facility" and require that the owners and operators of such facilities provide secondary containment structures and systems to ensure that stored products would not be released to the environment in the event of a storage container failure.
On-Farm Storage Facility
An "on-farm storage facility" is defined as a permanent site that is designed and used for the non-commercial storage of pesticides or fertilizers for more than 45 consecutive days in a single, non-mobile container that exceeds the following capacities:
- 300 gallons of bulk liquid pesticides, or
- 300 pounds of bulk dry pesticides, or
- 5,000 gallons of bulk liquid fertilizer, or
- 50,000 pounds of bulk dry fertilizer.
In addition, to qualify as an on-farm storage facility, a site must not be used for commercial purposes or would not meet the entire definition of a non-commercial agrichemical facility which includes the mixing and loading of agrichemicals for more than a 45 day period and the non-commercial application of pesticides and fertilizers.
Second Containment Structures
A "secondary containment structure" is defined as any structure or basin used to contain agrichemical spills and prevent runoff or leaching from bulk agrichemical containers. Specific design requirements, including sizes, volumes, and structural materials are included in the Amended Regulations (8 IAC 255.180). Copies are also available by mail from the Department upon request.
Timeline for Compliance
The following timeline summarizes the actions that were necessary for compliance with the regulatory amendments:
| Deadline Date | Action Necessary for Compliance |
| July 1, 2002 | Requirements for secondary containment at an on-farm storage facility became effective. Any facility built after July 1, 2002 must receive a permit from the Department of Agriculture and construct a secondary containment structure prior to being placed into service. All on-farm storage facilities existing prior to July 1, 2002 may continue to operate, but must meet the following timeline. |
| March 31, 2003 | Deadline for all on-farm storage facilities existing prior to July 1, 2002 to register with the Department of Agriculture by completing a registration form provided by the Department. |
| June 30, 2003 | The Department of Agriculture will issue to all on-farm storage facilities existing prior to July 1, 2002, a compliance schedule together with permit application forms. |
| March 31, 2004 | Deadline for all on-farm storage facilities existing prior to July 1, 2002 to submit a completed permit application form, including construction plans and specifications, to the Department of Agriculture. The submittal will be reviewed for compliance with the rules by the Department. Once compliance is established, the Department will issue to the owner/operator, a permit for the construction and operation of the secondary containment structure. |
| June 30, 2005 | Deadline for all on-farm storage facilities existing prior to July 1, 2002 to have received an approved permit from the Department and completed construction of a secondary containment structure or system. |
Questions and Additional Information
Copies of the rules, registration forms, permit application forms and additional information are available by contacting the Department at the following address and phone numbers:
On-farm Storage Facility Program
Illinois Department of Agriculture
Bureau of Environmental Programs
P.O. Box 19281
Springfield, IL 62794-9281
Voice: 217/785-2427 or 1-800-641-3934
Fax: 217/524-4882